Course Code: REL-PAC-0-FLADRD1-V2
Hours: 4
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029
Learning Objectives:
Describe how Alzheimer’s disease affects communication skills.
Identify strategies and guidelines for communicating both verbally and non-verbally with those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify common ethical dilemmas you may face when caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
Recognize issues facing family members of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Discuss resources and strategies for helping family members deal with issues they are facing.
Explain how Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain.
Recognize at least one difference between normal aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify other conditions that may result in symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify at least three strategies to create a safe environment for persons with Alzheimer’s disease.
Describe the benefits of structured environments and routines in the care of persons with Alzheimer’s disease.
Discuss the basic principles of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease.
Outline:
Part 1
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Stages of Alzheimer’s and Communication
Defining Communication
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Review
Summary
Section 3: Verbal Communication Strategies
Preparation
Short Sentences
Yes or No Questions
Simple Choices or Statements
Step-by-Step
Repeating Words
Tone and Rephrasing
What Not to Do
Review
Summary
Section 4: Non-Verbal Communication Techniques
Non-Verbal Communication
Behavior
Facial Expressions and Body Language
Eye Contact
Gestures
Touch
Writing
Review
Summary
Section 5: Validation Therapy
Purpose of Validation
Using Validation Therapy
Conversation with George
Summary
Section 6: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
References
Part 2
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Ethical Issues with Dementia
What is Ethics?
Justice
Veracity
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Autonomy
Ethical Conflicts
Making Important Decisions
Review
Summary
Section 3: A Caregiver’s Journey with Dementia
Norris and Madie
What Next?
Thinking Ahead
Behavior Challenges
Stress and Strain of Caregiving
Home Away From Home
End-of-Life Care
Review
Summary
Section 4: A Journey’s End
What is Grief?
Grief Process
Review
Summary
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
Resources
References
Part 3
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Understanding the Brain
Brain Function
The Brain
Review
Summary
Section 3: Normal Aging vs. Dementia
Normal Aging
Dementia
Is it Normal Aging or Dementia?
Irreversible Causes
Reversible Causes of Dementia
Review
Summary
Section 4: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
A Progressive Disease
Risk Factors
Modifiable Risk Factors
Review
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis and Treatment
Review
Summary
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
References
Part 4
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Home Safe Home
Nora
Safe and Secure Environment
What is a Hazard?
Review
Summary
Section 3: Structure and Routine Matters
Benefits of a Structured Environment
Routines and Schedules
Therapeutic Environment
Review
Summary
Section 4: Back to the Basics
Tom and Sarah
Person-Centered Care
Staff Approach
Review
Summary
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
References
Subject Matter Expert: Bobbi Whittington, BSN, RN
Bobbi is currently an SME writer for Post-Acute Care at Relias. She began her nursing career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in long-term care, where she discovered her passion for working with older adults in post-acute settings. In 1997, she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from South Central Area Vocational Technical School in Missouri. Demonstrating a commitment to advancing her education, she obtained an Associate Degree in Nursing from Texas County Technical Institute in 2007, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing in 2013. With more than 24 years of clinical and managerial experience in the skilled nursing industry, Bobbi has dedicated her career to enhancing the quality of care for older adults.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: All Staff; in the following settings: Skilled Nursing Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.